Difference between revisions of "Do 335 A-1"

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{{About
 
{{About
−
| about = German twin-engine fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = German strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| usage = other variants
+
| usage = other versions
 
| link = Do 335 (Family)
 
| link = Do 335 (Family)
 
}}
 
}}
Line 11: Line 11:
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German twin-engine fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]].
  
−
The Do 335 is a difficult plane to fly. It has good armament, however, lacks anything else of substance. Sub-par climb, bad turning, and handling, as well as the lack of armor and a propensity to catch fire make this aircraft a very difficult grind. Pilots should utilize the air spawn, then climb as high as possible and go after bombers. Once available, the air belts are devastating against bombers; however, as the plane lacks armor and catches fire quickly, tailing should be avoided. It is also possible to Boom & Zoom with, however, the plane tends to veer off target in prolonged dives.
+
Contrary to popular belief the Do 335 is not a super prop. The initial design was a "Schnellbomber" (fast bomber), but with the start of the emergency fighter program, most bomber contracts were shelved to increase fighter production. At Dornier, the idea arose to reconfigure the current bomber design into a heavy fighter to exploit the failure of Focke Wulf's [[Ta 154 A-1|Ta 154]].
  
−
Contrary to popular belief the Do 335 ''Pfeil'' is not a super prop. The initial design was a ''Schnellbomber'' (speedy bomber), but with the start of the emergency fighter program, most bomber contracts were shelved to increase fighter production. At Dornier, the idea arose to reconfigure the current bomber design into a heavy fighter to exploit the failure of Focke Wulf's Ta 154 ''Moskito''.
+
Consequently, flight agility is mediocre, lending itself in feeling to Dornier's previous heavy fighters: [[Do 17 Z-7]] and [[Do 217 N-1]]. Both of which were coincidentally bombers by birth too. The exception to this trait is the fantastic roll-rate, accomplished by boosted ailerons as seen on the [[Ta 152 H-1]].
  
−
Consequently, flight agility is mediocre, lending itself in feeling to Dornier's previous heavy fighters: [[Do 17 Z-7|Do 17 Z-7]] and [[Do 217 N-1|Do 217N]]. Both of which were coincidentally bombers by birth too. The exception to this trait is the fantastic roll-rate, accomplished by boosted ailerons as seen on the [[Ta 152 H-1|Ta 152H-1]].
+
The Do 335 is a difficult plane to fly. It has good armament, however, lacks anything else of substance. Sub-par flat climb rate, bad turning, and handling, as well as the lack of armor and a propensity to catch fire make this aircraft a very difficult grind. Pilots should utilize the air spawn, then climb as high as possible and go after bombers. Once available, the air belts are devastating against bombers; however, as the plane lacks armor and catches fire quickly, tailing should be avoided. It is also possible to Boom & Zoom with, however, the plane tends to veer off target in prolonged dives.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 23: Line 23:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 +
Being originally designed as a fast bomber, it is not surprising that the {{PAGENAME}} features excellent top speed and rolling characteristics. While the plane has mediocre flight characteristic in a level flight, in a shallow dive, the plane can quickly gain its speed and momentum. This can be exploited by zoom-climbing using the energy gained in a dive, then do a shallow dive to regain its energy again, rinse and repeat.
 +
 +
However, the {{PAGENAME}} suffers from common weaknesses of converted light bombers, that being it has overall poor handling. The plane tends to oversteer, especially in a dive or at high speed, while also being too sluggish to keep up with fighters or even some light/medium bombers in horizontal manoeuvres. This restricted the plane's usage against enemy aircraft to only boom-and-zoom tactics.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 340 || 280 || ~7 || ~4
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 386 || 280 || ~9 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < 380 || < 380 || < 380 || > 285
+
| < 380 || < 340 || < 400 || > 440
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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* 8 mm Steel - Plate behind the pilot seat
 
* 8 mm Steel - Plate behind the pilot seat
 +
 +
Survivability characteristic of the {{PAGENAME}} were mixed. The airframe is extremely tough and are more than capable of taking hits from several autocannons, yet its pilot and internal modules were prone to taking damage. The fuel tanks were especially vulnerable, as it will easily catches fire and difficult to extinguish. Thus rendering the airframe durability moot.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 127: Line 132:
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
Boom & Zoom: While it does not have the capability to turn, accelerate or climb (sustained) quickly as might an energy fighting aircraft, it can be used to make quick, swooping attacks on enemy bombers, and in a limited capacity, fighters. Advantaged by its swift dive acceleration, Boom & Zoom is a viable tactic; however, it should be noted that prolonged engagements with enemy aircraft should be avoided, as energy fighters will quickly deplete its momentum, and turn-fighting aircraft will easily outmanoeuvre this lumbering aircraft. Instead, diving on a target with a lower energy state (it is permissible to engage some slower aircraft in level flight as the 335 can reach speeds well in excess of 450 km/h within seconds of levelling the aircraft out of a climb) and then simply running away and zoom climbing out of range if the target is not killed on the first run is a significant advantage for DO-335 pilots who wish to return home alive. It may take several runs to kill a target, even with the heavy armament possessed by this aircraft, however momentum conservation is a key advantage of the 335, and multiple swooping attack runs disallow slow, "walking" adjustment of fire by bomber turrets, and can deny a turn-fighter an opportunity to attack, and potentially significantly drain them of energy. Targets in a higher energy state (More altitude and/or speed) should not be engaged unless you can ensure that once you have followed through with the attack run, you will be moving fast enough to avoid retaliation by the target.
+
Boom & Zoom: While it does not have the capability to turn, accelerate or climb (sustained) quickly as might an energy fighting aircraft, it can be used to make quick, swooping attacks on enemy bombers, and in a limited capacity, fighters. Advantaged by its swift dive acceleration, Boom & Zoom is a viable tactic; however, it should be noted that prolonged engagements with enemy aircraft should be avoided, as energy fighters will quickly deplete its momentum, and turn-fighting aircraft will easily outmanoeuvre this lumbering aircraft. Instead, diving on a target with a lower energy state (it is permissible to engage some slower aircraft in level flight as the 335 can reach speeds well in excess of 450 km/h within seconds of levelling the aircraft out of a climb) and then simply running away and zoom climbing out of range if the target is not killed on the first run is a significant advantage for Do 335 pilots who wish to return home alive. It may take several runs to kill a target, even with the heavy armament possessed by this aircraft, however momentum conservation is a key advantage of the 335, and multiple swooping attack runs disallow slow, "walking" adjustment of fire by bomber turrets, and can deny a turn-fighter an opportunity to attack, and potentially significantly drain them of energy. Targets in a higher energy state (More altitude and/or speed) should not be engaged unless you can ensure that once you have followed through with the attack run, you will be moving fast enough to avoid retaliation by the target.
  
 
Made a problematic aircraft to master by its poor manoeuvrability, both anti-bomber operations and ground strafing are a challenging task in this aircraft; however, it does have bomb capacity for 1,000 kg of ordnance and considering its speed, it is moderately capable in the role of a medium or strategic bomber aircraft. Subsequently, the ability to disrupt soft (20 mm) and hard (30 mm) ground targets far away from the initial fighter onslaught does provide some redemption for its poor anti-aircraft capabilities.
 
Made a problematic aircraft to master by its poor manoeuvrability, both anti-bomber operations and ground strafing are a challenging task in this aircraft; however, it does have bomb capacity for 1,000 kg of ordnance and considering its speed, it is moderately capable in the role of a medium or strategic bomber aircraft. Subsequently, the ability to disrupt soft (20 mm) and hard (30 mm) ground targets far away from the initial fighter onslaught does provide some redemption for its poor anti-aircraft capabilities.
Line 160: Line 165:
  
 
* Excellent top speed at very high altitudes
 
* Excellent top speed at very high altitudes
−
* Great armament
+
* Great dive top speed and acceleration, good at zoom climbing
−
* Great dive top speed
 
 
* Great roll rate
 
* Great roll rate
 +
* Very tough airframe
 +
* Powerful 30 mm and 15 mm autocannons were mounted at centerline, providing good accuracy head-ons
 
* Internal bomb bay for second payload drop
 
* Internal bomb bay for second payload drop
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Bad acceleration
+
* Bad flatline acceleration and sub-par climb rate compared to other twin-engine fighters
−
* Sub-par climb rate compared to other twin-engine fighters
 
 
* Sub-par top speed at sea level
 
* Sub-par top speed at sea level
 
* Tends to over-steer with mouse control on rudders and elevators, resulting in worse manoeuvrability overall as you either will have to turn more gently in order to avoid over-steering, or wait for the instructor to compensate
 
* Tends to over-steer with mouse control on rudders and elevators, resulting in worse manoeuvrability overall as you either will have to turn more gently in order to avoid over-steering, or wait for the instructor to compensate
−
* Steering in a dive results in very poor accuracy.
+
* Steering in a dive results in very poor accuracy
 
* Alignment of the engines along the centre axis makes it extremely easy for either one or both to get damaged when attacked by enemy fighters and potentially set on fire
 
* Alignment of the engines along the centre axis makes it extremely easy for either one or both to get damaged when attacked by enemy fighters and potentially set on fire
−
* Heavily reliant on it's 30 mm Mk 103 with limited ammo to do the damage dealing as the 15 mm MG 151's won't be able to suffice considering the aircraft's handling.
+
* Hard to take off and land due to its dual engine configuration
 +
* Heavily reliant on it's 30 mm Mk 103 with limited ammo to do the damage dealing as the 15 mm MG 151's won't be able to suffice considering the aircraft's handling
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
The Dornier Do 335, also known as the "Pfeil" ("Arrow" in German), was a heavy fighter aircraft developed by the Dornier company during World War II. It was Nazi Germany's fastest piston-engined aircraft at the time. Dornier completed as many as 48 Do 335s, and another nine were under construction when the war ended. The original plan issued by the RLM (Reichsluftfahrtministerium) called for Dornier to build 310 Do 335s by late 1945, but delays in engine deliveries meant that only a handful of Do 335s were delivered before the war ended.
 +
 
 +
The Do 335 saw limited combat action due to the war's end. However, its first recorded combat encounter was against French pilot Pierre Clostermann in April 1945. French ace Clostermann intercepted a Do 335 during this encounter. Its performance and unique design made it a formidable adversary, especially in boom-and-zoom attacks, making quick, swooping attacks on enemy bombers. However, the Do 335 faced challenges in manoeuvrability and handling, which affected its combat effectiveness, and its scarcity and late entry into combat hindered its overall impact.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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;Skins
 
;Skins
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=germany&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=fighter&vehicle=do_335a_1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=do_335a_1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
−
{{Youtube-gallery|INb9VjLxKf0|'''Most unusual aircraft''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 5:02 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|CBAvompXsWQ|'''The Shooting Range #319''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:27 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|INb9VjLxKf0|'''Most unusual aircraft''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 5:02 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
Line 195: Line 206:
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
 
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/402957-dornier-do-335/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/402957-dornier-do-335/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
* [https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/dornier-do-335-0-pfeil-arrow/nasm_A19610129000 Dornier Do 335 A-0 Pfeil (Arrow) | National Air and Space Museum (si.edu)]
 +
* [https://planehistoria.com/do-335/ Dornier Do 335 Pfeil - The Piston Powerhouse - PlaneHistoria]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Dornier}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Dornier}}
−
{{Germany twin-engine fighters}}
+
{{Germany strike aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 15:23, 6 June 2024

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
This page is about the German strike aircraft Do 335 A-1. For other versions, see Do 335 (Family).
Do 335 A-1
do_335a_1.png
GarageImage Do 335 A-1.jpg
Do 335 A-1
Germany flag.png Germany
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.0 4.3 5.0
Class:
Research:26 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:76 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Do 335 A-1 is a rank III German strike aircraft with a battle rating of 4.0 (AB), 4.3 (RB), and 5.0 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.57 "Battle March".

Contrary to popular belief the Do 335 is not a super prop. The initial design was a "Schnellbomber" (fast bomber), but with the start of the emergency fighter program, most bomber contracts were shelved to increase fighter production. At Dornier, the idea arose to reconfigure the current bomber design into a heavy fighter to exploit the failure of Focke Wulf's Ta 154.

Consequently, flight agility is mediocre, lending itself in feeling to Dornier's previous heavy fighters: Do 17 Z-7 and Do 217 N-1. Both of which were coincidentally bombers by birth too. The exception to this trait is the fantastic roll-rate, accomplished by boosted ailerons as seen on the Ta 152 H-1.

The Do 335 is a difficult plane to fly. It has good armament, however, lacks anything else of substance. Sub-par flat climb rate, bad turning, and handling, as well as the lack of armor and a propensity to catch fire make this aircraft a very difficult grind. Pilots should utilize the air spawn, then climb as high as possible and go after bombers. Once available, the air belts are devastating against bombers; however, as the plane lacks armor and catches fire quickly, tailing should be avoided. It is also possible to Boom & Zoom with, however, the plane tends to veer off target in prolonged dives.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 7 000 m755 km/h
Turn time26 s
Max altitude11 400 m
EngineDaimler-Benz DB-603A
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight10 t

Being originally designed as a fast bomber, it is not surprising that the Do 335 A-1 features excellent top speed and rolling characteristics. While the plane has mediocre flight characteristic in a level flight, in a shallow dive, the plane can quickly gain its speed and momentum. This can be exploited by zoom-climbing using the energy gained in a dive, then do a shallow dive to regain its energy again, rinse and repeat.

However, the Do 335 A-1 suffers from common weaknesses of converted light bombers, that being it has overall poor handling. The plane tends to oversteer, especially in a dive or at high speed, while also being too sluggish to keep up with fighters or even some light/medium bombers in horizontal manoeuvres. This restricted the plane's usage against enemy aircraft to only boom-and-zoom tactics.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 7,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 727 709 11400 27.3 28.3 9.5 9.5 464
Upgraded 784 755 24.8 26.0 16.9 12.9

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
945 285 N/A 386 280 ~9 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 380 < 340 < 400 > 440
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
7,070 m 2,880 hp 3,880 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural945 km/h
Gear285 km/h
  • 8 mm Steel - Plate behind the pilot seat

Survivability characteristic of the Do 335 A-1 were mixed. The airframe is extremely tough and are more than capable of taking hits from several autocannons, yet its pilot and internal modules were prone to taking damage. The fuel tanks were especially vulnerable, as it will easily catches fire and difficult to extinguish. Thus rendering the airframe durability moot.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB818 → 1 123 Sl icon.png
RB1 527 → 2 098 Sl icon.png
SB3 164 → 4 347 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications25 000 Rp icon.png
45 200 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 100 Ge icon.png
Crew training22 000 Sl icon.png
Experts76 000 Sl icon.png
Aces500 Ge icon.png
Research Aces320 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
60 / 110 / 390 % Sl icon.png
142 / 142 / 142 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 100 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 100 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
1 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
1 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
mg15115_belt_pack
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 100 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods ammo.png
mk103_belt_pack
Research:
1 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SC 250
Research:
1 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
mg15115_new_gun
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
mk103_new_gun
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SC 500
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 130 mm MK 103 cannon
Ammunition70 rounds
Fire rate450 shots/min
Weapon 22 x 15 mm MG 151 cannon
Ammunition400 rounds
Fire rate700 shots/min
Main articles: MK 103 (30 mm), MG 151 (15 mm)

The Do 335 A-1 is armed with:

  • 1 x 30 mm MK 103 cannon, nose-mounted (70 rpg)
  • 2 x 15 mm MG 151 cannons, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)

Suspended armament

List of setups (3)
Setup 12 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb
Setup 21 x 500 kg SC500K bomb
Setup 32 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb
1 x 500 kg SC500K bomb
Main articles: SC250JA (250 kg), SC500K (500 kg)

The Do 335 A-1 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (500 kg total)
  • 1 x 500 kg SC500K bomb (500 kg total)
  • 1 x 500 kg SC500K bomb + 2 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (1,000 kg total)

Usage in battles

Boom & Zoom: While it does not have the capability to turn, accelerate or climb (sustained) quickly as might an energy fighting aircraft, it can be used to make quick, swooping attacks on enemy bombers, and in a limited capacity, fighters. Advantaged by its swift dive acceleration, Boom & Zoom is a viable tactic; however, it should be noted that prolonged engagements with enemy aircraft should be avoided, as energy fighters will quickly deplete its momentum, and turn-fighting aircraft will easily outmanoeuvre this lumbering aircraft. Instead, diving on a target with a lower energy state (it is permissible to engage some slower aircraft in level flight as the 335 can reach speeds well in excess of 450 km/h within seconds of levelling the aircraft out of a climb) and then simply running away and zoom climbing out of range if the target is not killed on the first run is a significant advantage for Do 335 pilots who wish to return home alive. It may take several runs to kill a target, even with the heavy armament possessed by this aircraft, however momentum conservation is a key advantage of the 335, and multiple swooping attack runs disallow slow, "walking" adjustment of fire by bomber turrets, and can deny a turn-fighter an opportunity to attack, and potentially significantly drain them of energy. Targets in a higher energy state (More altitude and/or speed) should not be engaged unless you can ensure that once you have followed through with the attack run, you will be moving fast enough to avoid retaliation by the target.

Made a problematic aircraft to master by its poor manoeuvrability, both anti-bomber operations and ground strafing are a challenging task in this aircraft; however, it does have bomb capacity for 1,000 kg of ordnance and considering its speed, it is moderately capable in the role of a medium or strategic bomber aircraft. Subsequently, the ability to disrupt soft (20 mm) and hard (30 mm) ground targets far away from the initial fighter onslaught does provide some redemption for its poor anti-aircraft capabilities.

The Do 335's design flaws make it particularly inept at chasing other planes. It is nigh-impossible to try to aim while performing a dive since the nose dances around in all directions and provides no stability to the aiming reticle. Indeed, aiming at the enemy while climbing is prone to the same inaccuracy. Trying to roll the wings to enter a quick dive, e.g. to escape an approaching enemy, is more akin to turning a ship than a heavy fighter. During ground attacks, its inability to aim properly makes more of a "spray and pray" than an accurate firing platform. The most useful approach would be to dive on bombers and attempt to hit with the 30 mm cannon at a distance.

Counter-Tactics

The Do 335 is fast in a dive but flies like a brick. Out-turning it is easy in almost all aircraft it will face. Due to the centre-mounted cannons, it is best to avoid head-ons.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable
Auto control available 		Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Auto control available 		Combined Not controllable
1 gear 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent top speed at very high altitudes
  • Great dive top speed and acceleration, good at zoom climbing
  • Great roll rate
  • Very tough airframe
  • Powerful 30 mm and 15 mm autocannons were mounted at centerline, providing good accuracy head-ons
  • Internal bomb bay for second payload drop

Cons:

  • Bad flatline acceleration and sub-par climb rate compared to other twin-engine fighters
  • Sub-par top speed at sea level
  • Tends to over-steer with mouse control on rudders and elevators, resulting in worse manoeuvrability overall as you either will have to turn more gently in order to avoid over-steering, or wait for the instructor to compensate
  • Steering in a dive results in very poor accuracy
  • Alignment of the engines along the centre axis makes it extremely easy for either one or both to get damaged when attacked by enemy fighters and potentially set on fire
  • Hard to take off and land due to its dual engine configuration
  • Heavily reliant on it's 30 mm Mk 103 with limited ammo to do the damage dealing as the 15 mm MG 151's won't be able to suffice considering the aircraft's handling

History

The Dornier Do 335, also known as the "Pfeil" ("Arrow" in German), was a heavy fighter aircraft developed by the Dornier company during World War II. It was Nazi Germany's fastest piston-engined aircraft at the time. Dornier completed as many as 48 Do 335s, and another nine were under construction when the war ended. The original plan issued by the RLM (Reichsluftfahrtministerium) called for Dornier to build 310 Do 335s by late 1945, but delays in engine deliveries meant that only a handful of Do 335s were delivered before the war ended.

The Do 335 saw limited combat action due to the war's end. However, its first recorded combat encounter was against French pilot Pierre Clostermann in April 1945. French ace Clostermann intercepted a Do 335 during this encounter. Its performance and unique design made it a formidable adversary, especially in boom-and-zoom attacks, making quick, swooping attacks on enemy bombers. However, the Do 335 faced challenges in manoeuvrability and handling, which affected its combat effectiveness, and its scarcity and late entry into combat hindered its overall impact.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #319 - Metal Beasts section at 00:27 discusses the Do 335 A-1.
Most unusual aircraft discusses the Do 335 A-1 at 5:02 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


Dornier Aircraft Corporation (Dornier Flugzeugwerke)
Fighters  Do 17 Z-7
  Do 217 J-1 · Do 217 J-2 · Do 217 N-1 · Do 217 N-2
  Do 335 A-0 · Do 335 A-1 · Do 335 B-2
Bombers  Do 17 E-1 · Do 17 Z-2
  Do 217 E-2 · Do 217 E-4 · Do 217 K-1 · Do 217 M-1
Jet Aircraft  Alpha Jet A**
Helicopters  ◄UH-1D*
  *Licensed
  **Jointly manufactured with Dassault Aviation

Germany strike aircraft
Messerschmitt 
Bf 110  Bf 110 C-6 · Bf 110 C-7 · Bf 110 F-2 · Bf 110 G-2 · Bf 110 G-4
Me 410  Me 410 A-1 · Me 410 A-1/U4 · Me 410 B-1 · Me 410 B-2/U4 · Me 410 B-6/R3
Dornier 
Do 335  Do 335 A-0 · Do 335 A-1 · Do 335 B-2
Focke-Wulf 
Fw 190  Fw 190 F-8
Heinkel 
He 219  He 219 A-7
Henschel 
Hs 129  Hs 129 B-2 · Hs 129 B-2 (Romania) · Hs 129 B-3
Junkers 
Ju 87  Ju 87 G-1 · Ju 87 G-2
  Foreign:
USSR  ▀IL-2 (1942)

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